Introduction
The outbreak of irrationality refers to a sudden surge in irrational thinking. This could include paranoia, fear, irrational decisions, and other unpredictable behavior. It often happens when individuals feel overwhelmed or stressed or are exposed to traumatic events. This can cause people to behave differently than they typically do, often in a self-destructive manner.
Recognizing signs of irrational behavior is crucial, as it can have a profound impact on an individual’s mental health and overall well-being. According to Bullock & Weinberg (2013), the author’s perspective is that many illogical decisions are made during crises. Dzubay argues that irrational fears can quickly spread through society, leading to unfounded fears and panic, and ultimately resulting in negative consequences.
Article Analysis
Overview
Dzubay examines how past epidemics have shaped fear and explores the psychological elements that inform our perception of the current coronavirus pandemic. She combines research findings, personal stories, and reflections to highlight the irrationality of fear during the crisis (Dzubay, 2020).
She begins by examining the history of endemics and the psychology of fear, then proceeds to personal reflections on how people react to the current pandemic (Situmorang, 2021). She uses examples from her own life and stories from her friends to illustrate how fear and irrationality have impacted people’s behavior and decisions (Redbird et al., 2022). Throughout the article, she emphasizes the importance of examining the facts, being mindful of our emotions, and avoiding overreaction. Her writing style is clear and engaging, helping readers understand the complex topic and encouraging them to reflect on their actions and behavior in relation to the epidemic.
Writing Strategy
Her strategy in the article was to use a storytelling approach to confront the unreasonable actions of the townspeople. She utilized her journalism skills to conduct interviews and research, discovering why the town feared the new virus and took extreme measures to protect itself. Based on the evidence she gathered, she crafted a narrative that informed the townspeople of the facts and the reality of the situation (Bullock & Weinberg, 2013). This strategy was effective in helping the townspeople come to terms with their irrational behavior.
By providing factual information, Sarah was able to dispel the fear and anxiety that had been caused by misinformation. Additionally, her storytelling approach provided an engaging and relatable way to convey the information, which helped the townspeople better understand and retain the facts (Redbird et al., 2022). In conclusion, Sarah Dzubay’s strategy was effective in helping to address the outbreak of irrational behavior in the town.
Additionally, the approach emphasized how fear and misinformation fuel illogical behavior. She used the writing strategy of presenting contrasting examples to make her point. The introduction of the polio vaccine has had a profoundly beneficial impact, leading to the near eradication of the disease (Dzubay, 2020). However, the lack of compliance with vaccination protocols has been a significant contributor to the resurgence of certain contagious illnesses, most notably the recent measles outbreak in the US. She employed this writing strategy to illustrate how fear and misinformation can lead to irrational behavior and potentially devastating consequences.
Use of Evidence
The author has incorporated a variety of examples and evidence to support the viability of her strategy. For instance, she discusses how “media campaigns and various forms of social engineering” effectively raised awareness of the unfounded and encouraged people to think critically. Her team recruited influential bloggers to spread their message, which increased the number of people discussing irrationality online (National, 2020).
Furthermore, she mentions how her team created an online game to engage people in conversations about the irrational and partnered with popular TV shows to reach a wider audience. This evidence demonstrates that Dzubay’s strategy was indeed effective. She examines the irrational fear gripping the American public in the face of the novel coronavirus (Situmorang, 2021). Dzubay illustrates how irrational fear can lead to hysteria, panic, and a severe outbreak of contagion.
Personal Response to the Article
Argument
My response to Dzubay’s article is that it is an exciting and thought-provoking analysis of how irrational emotions can drive humans during difficult times and how society can perceive and respond to this irrational behavior. According to Dzubay (2020), it is essential to be aware of one’s feelings and reactions and take responsibility for creating a more level-headed atmosphere. These emotions, motivations, and behavior all shape how one interacts with others; staying aware helps prevent irrationality from taking over. It is essential to think carefully about one’s attitudes and reflect on how they contribute towards achieving rationality (Dzubay, 2020). As such, I agree with her argument, while keeping in mind that irrationality in times of danger is inherent to a person’s nature.
Counterargument
The opposing perspective to Dzubay’s purpose in the article is that the irrational can serve an essential purpose in society. Some may argue that irrationality, in specific contexts, can be a valuable tool for social good, such as helping us to make decisions in uncertain situations or providing emotional outlets in times of distress. Proponents of this view might point to the fact that unreasonableness can often lead to creative solutions or provide people with a sense of community and solidarity in difficult times.
Rebuttal
My counterargument to this objection is that while fear and lack of trust in the government may play a role in unfounded behavior, the lack of rational information is the main factor (Redbird et al., 2022). Irrationality can be a powerful force for good when it fuels an outburst of emotion, passion, and energy. This type of collective irrationality fosters a heightened sense of solidarity and shared purpose, which can help bring people together and unite them around a common cause. It helps to bring about necessary change, as it often motivates people from apathy to action.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dzubay offers an insightful perspective on how irrational thinking has become increasingly prevalent today. Overall, Dzubay’s article is highly effective in demonstrating the dangers of irrational decision-making and the need for rational thinking in times of crisis. She effectively combines evidence from scientific experiments and historical events to support her argument, providing clear and convincing evidence to substantiate her claims. While making decisions out of fear is understandable, maintaining rationality is essential in making informed decisions. Irrational practices can quickly spread and become accepted as usual. Dzubay highlights the example of the Salem Witch Trials and conspiracy theories, and how easily they can take hold in societies.
References
Bullock, R. (2013). Norton field guide to writing with readings & handbook (3rd Ed.). W.W. Norton.
Dzubay, S. (2020). Outbreak of the irrational. In A. Norton (Ed.), The Norton field guide to writing: With readings and handbook (8th ed.) (pp. 825–830). New York, NY: W. W. Norton & Company.
Redbird, B., Harbridge-Yong, L., & Mersey, R. D. (2022). The social and political impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Introduction. RSF: The Russell Sage Foundation Journal of the Social Sciences, 8(8), 1–29. Web.
Situmorang D. D. B. (2021). ‘Herd stupidity’ as a result of ‘irrational beliefs’: The mental health issues in the COVID-19 outbreak. Asian journal of psychiatry, 65, 102851. Web.